When renting, there are two parties responsible for executing a lease to its fullest terms. In this article, we will talk about PA tenant rights. You might be looking to rent for the first time and want to understand your rights entirely. Maybe you are just looking to brush up on your rights as a renter. However, regardless of your situation, knowing what you can and can not do is important. Therefore, every tenant has rights; learn more about what those rights are below.
Importance of PA Tenant Rights
As a tenant, you should fully read and understand the lease before signing. Knowing your rights is important. Additionally, each landlord may have different terms and requirements. Although, majority of all leases will be the same. The key points are understanding that as a tenant, you have rights.
- As a landlord, they need to abide by the terms of the lease. Terms such as repairs completed in the home. Most landlords are responsible for moderate to large issues with the property. As a tenant, it is not your responsibility to maintain the property unless stated otherwise, usually only for small repairs.
- Protect yourself from unfair treatment. Ensure your landlord is not trying to do things such as terminating your lease early or trying to evict you on a faulty basis. There is never a time a landlord should be able to evict you without an actual clause or you breaking the lease.
- Always make sure you are living in safe conditions. Such as making sure you have a fire exit in the building. In addition, smoke alarms posted in hallways, kitchens, and living spaces. If you have a basement or appliances that filter out carbon monoxide. Then there should be a detector in the home near these appliances.
Common PA Tenant Rights
The tenants’ rights are a crucial part of the rental process. These court-enforced rights vary from standard civil rights, adequate safety, proper privacy, and financial aspects. Both the landlord and the tenant must follow the clear PA tenant rights or expect consequences. Therefore, we explain the common tenant rights in PA to help tenants avoid any issues.
Fair Housing Law: PA Tenant Rights
In every state, they have a law in effect known as the fair housing law. What this law means you are not allowed to be discriminated against based on race, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or being handicapped. Therefore, as a landlord, they can not deny you housing. The Equal Housing Act enacted in 1998 to protect against unfair housing. Stating that no owner is allowed to disqualify a tenant based on anything listed above. This goes for anyone looking to rent as well as buy a home.
Having the Right to a Safe and Habitable Home
Every tenant has the right to live in an apartment or a safe rental home. This includes faulty appliances, damaged floors, or walls. Additionally, it can even include smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Sadly, there are plenty of fires that start from faulty electrical systems. Therefore, as a tenant, you have the right to be safe. Carbon monoxide is odorless and can not normally be detected on its own. In addition, it can easily cause death if a Carbon Monoxide detector is not installed within the home. As a tenant, you have the right to be safe. Also, homes should have working locks on all doors and windows.
Being safe is every tenant’s right. However, there are plenty of things that can make a home unsafe. Some rentals are not always well-maintained. It is a landlord’s job to do regular inspections of the home. Therefore, if you notice something wrong, your landlord should make the necessary repairs. If repairs not made, you can sometimes terminate your lease. Additionally, you may have the right to go to small claims court to handle the matter.
Security Deposits: Part of PA Tenant Rights
Every landlord requires a security deposit. There are usually two types of security deposits when it comes to rentals. The first one is the security deposit to move into the home. Which typically the amount of rent for one month. This money held in a non-escrow account by the owner. Delivered on the day you move into the home or the day you sign the lease. It will cover in the event any damage done to the home by the tenant. If no damage is done, then the deposit should be delivered back to the tenant no later than 30 days after moving out.
You may also have a pet security deposit. This is usually a one-time fee or tacked onto the rent each month. Some landlords feel it is a way to add $50 to $100 a month in the event the animal is destructive to the home. It is good to understand the amount and how it will be charged, either monthly or as a one-time fee.
Notice to Enter Property (Privacy Rights)
Every tenant has their privacy rights. It could be a major concern if you are not receiving these rights. Every landlord has to give some type of notice to enter a property. Whether through text or a phone call. They need to let you know before just walking into your apartment.
Unless there is an emergency such as a water burst, sewer backup, electrical emergency, or fire hazard. If in the event of an emergency, a landlord does have the right to have someone or their self enter the property to fix an immediate issue. If it is not an emergency, they need to at least give some type of notice, usually at least 24 hours. You can also request that you be at home if it is not an emergency. That way, they can respect the privacy of your home.
Protection Against Illegal Eviction
Sometimes, a landlord might try to evict a tenant based on faulty claims. Maybe they might accuse the tenant of illegal activities. Such as selling drugs, using, partying, or making noise in the home. If, in the event, you notice your landlord is accusing you of false accusations. They can not just ask you to leave the property or make illegal attempts to get you out of the home. Such as changing locks or turning off utilities. As a landlord, if they feel you are up to illegal activities, then they need to go through a court proceeding to evict you.
Fast Repairs: Standard PA Tennant Rights
As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe and fully functional home. As we mentioned earlier, it is the job of the landlord to make sure your home is safe and repairs are made. Plumbing issues are a very common issue with a home. They are also something that should be handled right away. They could become a hazardous situation if not handled immediately. As well as electrical problems in a home. Like we mentioned before, most house fires are caused by electrical problems. If noticed or pointed out by a tenant, they should be handled immediately.
If you are a tenant and you notice something that might be unsafe or in need of repairs. You should put it in writing, either through text message or a letter. Explaining to the landlord any issues you may come across. That way, you have proof of letting the owner know. Especially if it is a hazardous problem or not handled promptly. Most things that are a hazard should be repaired immediately. Some problems are wrong that a landlord has more time to repair. Such as defects in the home’s floors, cabinets, walls, etc. Just know the difference between an immediate problem and something less severe.
What to do if PA Tenant Rights are Violated?
- Document everything you feel is a violation of your PA tenant rights. No matter how big or small you feel it might be. You want to make sure you are keeping track of everything your landlord is doing wrong. This means being non-responsive. If a repair has not been made. Even if you feel they are misleading you. Everything should be recorded.
- Community resources should be a huge part of helping you with any disputes. You can do online research to find local help from free attorneys and nonprofit organizations. You can also utilize social media groups to find and discuss issues with other tenants who may have experienced similar issues. There are plenty of free ways to get help as a tenant.
- If you are fortunate enough to pay for legal counsel, then it is highly recommended. Sometimes hiring legal counsel could be your best course of action against a landlord. If documented everything and you provided it to legal counsel, you can find yourself in good hands resolving disputes.
Always Understand PA Tenant Rights
Every single person who is looking to rent should understand their lease before signing. As far as what requirements are expected of you as a tenant. Aspects such as you being required to handle any property maintenance or repairs. Additionally, you need to know what security deposits are due and the amount.
It’s vital to know your PA tenant rights. Additionally, never let a landlord discriminate based on race, religion, or any disabilities. Every landlord should be fair when deciding on a renter. Every tenant has the right to live in a safe and habitable home. No tenant should have to suffer from a bad landlord. Therefore, know your rights and document everything you notice that is wrong. Always use your community to help you in the event you are feeling mistreated. In today’s world, there are plenty of resources to help a tenant in need.
If you are currently looking to rent a home or apartment. Finding the right real estate agent can make all the difference. They handle renting and helping people find rentals every day. They may even be capable of helping you understand a lease as well as your rights before you even look. A real estate agent can be a powerful tool in making sure you get fair rental rights. If you would like more information on finding a rental, contact us below by filling out your information. You can either call or text Ryan at 215-509-9510!